"Chorus" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released as the first single from their 1991 fifth studio album of the same name. Produced by Martyn Phillips and written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, it is an uptempo synth-pop song featuring Clarke's electronic soundscapes and Phillips' computerised production. The single was released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.
"Chorus" | ||||
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Single by Erasure | ||||
from the album Chorus | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 17 June 1991 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:26 | |||
Label | Mute | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Martyn Phillips | |||
Erasure singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Chorus" on YouTube |
Critical reception
AllMusic editor Ned Raggett described the song as "another great Erasure anthem".[1] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Fab British duo makes a welcome return with an environmentally-conscious techno ditty. Singer Andy Bell is in fine voice on this track".[2] Bill Wyman from Entertainment Weekly stated that it "percolates along nicely".[3] The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith commented, "Yes, the title track has the glaringly errant word "fishes" in the lyrics, but the contagious feel of the music makes up for it."[4] A reviewer from Dundee Courier viewed it as a "refreshing burst of pure pop".[5]
Chris Gerard from Metro Weekly called it an "old-school disco raver", that is "driven by frenetic beat, streams of keyboards that sound like lasers beaming into space, and an unforgettable melody sung with great soul by Andy Bell." He added that "Chorus" is one of the Erasure's "signature songs and finest moments."[6] Pan-European magazine Music & Media noted, "You can hear that these two know what's going on in the clubs without forcing themselves to follow the current dance trend. Melody is their specialty, best witnessed by the title track."[7] Christopher Smith from TalkAboutPopMusic stated that it "kicks off" the album "in fine style". Also he noted "memorable lines", like "Go ahead with your dreamin'", "your schemin'", "and something about the fishes in the sea!"[8]
Chart performance
Issued prior to the release of the Chorus album, the single returned Erasure to the upper reaches of the UK Singles Chart, debuting and peaking at number three for two weeks. It was also a success in Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland, reaching number three, four and ten. In the United States, the single became Erasure's first Billboard Hot 100 entry since "Stop!" in 1989, climbing to number 83. It was more successful on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it peaked at number four to become the band's highest-placing song on this listing.
Track listings
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Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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References
- ^ Raggett, Ned. "Erasure – Chorus". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ^ Flick, Larry (13 July 1991). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 77. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ Wyman, Bill (22 November 1991). "Chorus". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
- ^ Smith, Michael R. (10 June 2007). "Chorus – Erasure". The Daily Vault. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ Dundee Courier. 27 June 1991. p. 12. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ Gerard, Chris (17 September 2014). "Erasure's 40 Greatest Tracks". Metro Weekly. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ "New Releases: Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. 9 November 1991. p. 17. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ Smith, Christopher (14 February 2020). "REVIEW: 'CHORUS' (DELUXE EDITION) – ERASURE". TalkAboutPopMusic. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 30. 27 July 1991. p. 20. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 28. 13 July 1991. p. 29. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Chorus". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure – Chorus". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 6 July 1991. p. 22. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Distribution: Indie Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 6 July 1991. p. 20. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Erasure Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Erasure Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ^ "1991 Top 100 Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 11 January 1992. p. 20. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "The Year in Music 1991 – Top Modern Rock Tracks" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. 21 December 1991. p. YE-41. ISSN 0006-2510 – via World Radio History.